1 Samuel 25:24

Verse

She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant.

American Standard Version (1901)

And she fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me be the iniquity; and let thy handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine ears, and hear thou the words of thy handmaid.

Bible in Basic English

And falling at his feet she said, May the wrong be on me, my lord, on me: let your servant say a word to you, and give ear to the words of your servant.

Free Bible Version

Falling at his feet in respect, she said, “Sir, I accept full responsibility for what's happened. Please listen to what I, your servant, have to say.

King James (Authorized) Version

And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid.

Translation for Translators

Then she prostrated herself at David’s feet and said to him, “Sir, I deserve to be punished for what my husband has done. Please listen to what I say to you.

Unlocked Literal Bible

She lay at his feet and said, “On me alone, my master, be the guilt. Please let your servant speak to you, and listen to the words of your servant.

Noah Webster Bible

And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be : and let thy handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thy audience, and hear the words of thy handmaid.

World English Bible

She fell at his feet and said, “On me, my lord, on me be the blame! Please let your servant speak in your ears. Hear the words of your servant.

Young's Literal Translation

and falleth at his feet and saith, 'On me, my lord, the iniquity; and let, I pray thee, thy handmaid speak in thine ear, and hear the words of thy handmaid.

Context

Abigail Intercedes for Nabal

²³When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him.²⁴She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. ²⁵My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent.

Summary

In this verse, Abigail humbly takes responsibility for her husband Nabal's foolish actions and seeks to appease David's anger by offering gifts. Her wisdom and humility prevent David from acting rashly in seeking vengeance. Abigail's actions demonstrate the importance of peacemaking and the power of humility in diffusing conflict. This passage also highlights the contrast between Abigail's wisdom and Nabal's foolishness, showing the impact of one individual's actions on others. Ultimately, Abigail's intervention prevents unnecessary bloodshed and showcases her as a wise and virtuous woman in the eyes of David.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And fell at his feet,.... As an humble supplicant, having a favour to ask of him; it is very probable David was on foot: and said, upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be; which her husband had been guilty of; she desires it might be transferred from him to her, and be reckoned as if done by her; she would have it imputed to herself, and all the blame lie upon her, and the punishment for it be inflicted on her; for iniquity may be put for the punishment of iniquity: this was very artfully said, as well as expressed great affection for her husband, and care of his life; for she knew, if she could get the fault removed from him to her, she would be able to vindicate herself, and her innocence would soon appear; nor would this strong affection for her husband fail of answering some good purpose, as she full well knew: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience and hear the words of thine handmaid: as it was but reasonable she should be heard, since she stood now as the criminal, taking all the blame of her husband's conduct on herself.